About Me (In My Own Words)
I had a routine physical in October 2016. My doctor heard a murmur, which she had noted in the past. Because I am 64, she decided to order an echocardiogram which I had performed on January 4, 2017. It revealed severe aortic stenosis with an aortic valve area of 0.76 cm sq. Normal is >2.0. A normal aortic valve is about the diameter of a half dollar. Mine is about the diameter of a large pen. I was sitting in the parking lot of Taco Bell in Quincy when my doctor's nurse called to tell me that I have severe aortic stenosis. They wanted me to meet with a cardiologist. I met with Dr. Sara Baig on January 17. She ordered an exercise stress test and a chest CT. I was to follow up with her in April. In April, I decided to seek a second opinion, not because I don't trust Dr. Baig, but because I felt it was wise. I knew that at some point I would need a valve replacement. I had mild symptoms such as tightness in my chest when walking briskly on a cold day, or when walking uphill. I was hoping the surgery could wait until October when I'm on Medicare. I saw Dr. Ewald, of Washington University Physicians on April 4. He felt I met criteria to go ahead and have my valve replaced but also thought I could probably wait until October if I was careful. He wanted me to go ahead and meet with Dr. Damiano, Chief of Division of Cardithoracic Surgery at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. That way, if I need surgery sooner, I've already established with him. I met with Dr. Damiano on April 25. He felt it would be safe to delay surgery perhaps 3 months, but not 6 months, into October. So, I elected to go ahead and get it done, the sooner the better. Elizabeth is back from India for a couple of months, and we were planning on having her come back in October for my surgery. So this way she doesn't need to make a second trip.
So, on April 25, I had a repeat echocardiogram, carotid ultrasound, and some pre-op lab work. I'm still waiting on the results. I'll be having a cardiac catheterization at Barnes on Tuesday, May 30, and be admitted to the hospital. l'll have my aortic valve replacement surgery the next day. If the heart cath reveals any coronary artery blockages, I'll have bypass done as well.
I know that God is in control and has planned each of my days. I am at peace about having the surgery in May. It's been an interesting 4 months and the next few months will be challenging but we serve a great God. I am so grateful for Larry, Rachael, Elizabeth, and David who are going on this journey with me.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Quincy
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My surgery date is:
June 1, 2017
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Ralph Damiano
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My hospital is:
Barnes Jewish Hospital